Railway Accidents (Freight or Passenger)

Railway accidents involve the derailment, collision, or hazardous spill of a train carrying passengers or cargo. These incidents can be catastrophic, causing multiple injuries or deaths, widespread fires, and long-term environmental contamination—especially if the train is transporting hazardous materials (HazMat), which is common in freight rail.

Rail disasters may be triggered by:

  • Mechanical failure or track damage
  • Human error or signal failure
  • Weather-related hazards (flooding, landslides, extreme heat)
  • Sabotage or intentional attack

Types of Rail Incidents

  • Freight Train HazMat Spill (Environmental and health threat)
  • Passenger Train Derailment (Involves injuries and rescue operations)
  • Rail Crossing Collisions (Vehicle struck at unprotected intersections)
  • Train-on-Train Collision (Catastrophic failures from signal or timing errors)

Preparedness Tips

If you live or work near rail lines

  • Identify if your area is near freight corridors or hazardous cargo routes
  • Learn the local rail emergency plan and shelter-in-place protocols
  • Store plastic sheeting and duct tape in case of chemical exposure
  • Keep battery-powered radios and sign up for local HazMat alerts

General safety

  • Never stop or linger on tracks, even if the train appears distant
  • Obey crossing signals and do not drive around lowered gates
  • Avoid walking near active tracks at any time

During a Rail Emergency

If you are on a train during a crash:

  • Brace yourself—use seats or arms to cushion impact
  • Once stopped, follow conductor instructions or exit safely
  • Move away from the train—uphill and upwind if hazardous cargo is leaking
  • Help others only if you are not injured or in danger

If you witness a rail accident:

  • Call 911 and provide location and description of the event
  • Do NOT approach the crash site—possibility of explosion or toxic exposure
  • Prepare to evacuate or shelter in place depending on material released
  • Avoid photographing or interfering with emergency responders

After a Rail Disaster

  • Monitor for air and water quality alerts
  • Do not use local water sources unless cleared
  • Check home or business structures for damage from vibration
  • Seek medical attention for any exposure symptoms (nausea, dizziness, rashes)

Key Resources

  • Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) – Safety regulations and incident reporting
     fra.dot.gov
  • National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) – Rail accident investigations
     ntsb.gov
  • PHMSA HazMat Safety Alerts – Pipeline and HazMat rail incident guidance
     phmsa.dot.gov

Recommended Apps

  • PulsePoint – First aid and incident awareness nearby
    pulsepoint.org
  • Railroad Crossing Locator – Locate rail crossings and report hazards
    fra.dot.gov
  • WISER – Identify hazardous materials in spills
    wiser.nlm.nih.gov